Vlog #48 READY FOR ANOTHER ONE

BREATHE YOGA Pop-up store Holiday Event 2019

MY NETFLIX MOVIE REVIEWS #195

A military family takes part in a groundbreaking experiment of genetic evolution and space exploration. (Courtesy of Internet Movie Database)

Well the holidays have hit and with all the free time and time with family movies will be watched. Having spent the holiday with my parents many of the films I review wouldn’t be to their liking. So to have a peaceful holiday I let my Mom select a film. As a major fan of Tom Cruise she set out to find a film in the Tom Cruise vein ending up with a Netflix feature called TITAN. The premise seemed interesting and it all seemed promising. Upon watching, it soon became clear this film was not going to deliver the goods with a story that took us nowhere and a character transition into something unrecognizable. So for TITAN I give it 2 of 5 stars.

Vlog #47 ALL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

MY NETFLIX MOVIE REVIEWS #194

The script centers on two policemen, one an old-timer (Gibson), the other his volatile younger partner (Vaughn), who find themselves suspended when a video of their strong-arm tactics become the media's cause du jour. Low on cash and with no other options, these two embittered soldiers descend into the criminal underworld to gain their just due but instead find far more than they wanted awaiting them in the shadows. (Courtesy of Internet Movie Database)

Having seen this writer-director previous two films, the anticipation for this one grew even higher, knowing I enjoyed the first two. The film I am talking about is DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE by S. Craig Zahler. I am still in awe of this film and don’t know if it is the way he tells a story, the dialogue, or how he gets some tremendous acting performances from his actors that make his films so memorable. I even this time realized he composes his own soundtrack as well. Furthermore, DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE is gritty and entertaining beginning to end. So for DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE, I give it 4.5 o 5 stars.

BOOK REVIEW: THE WAY OF THE SUPERIOR MAN #8

LATCHKEY KIDS

They skipped across the terracotta stepping-stones to the back entrance. It was the era of latchkey kids, and as far as Harold knew his parents wouldn't be home till much later. He had attempted sneaking a girl into his house before, but choosing the wrong girl and expecting the neighbors to mind their business foiled that. 

This time around, he chose Andrea; they were in the same grade, rode the same bus, and lived just around the corner. She was black like Harold, a little chubby yet more developed than the other girls and had a liking for Harold. This is probably why it didn't take much for Harold to talk her into coming over as they got off the bus. Pointing out the fact that their driveway was clear, meaning his parents were out and would be for some time. 

The realization of the possibilities of what could happen made Andrea's stomach fill with butterflies. Harold felt something as well wanting to speed up the process his bad boy side creeping out, as he couldn't wait to be alone with her. Oh, the mischief they were going to get into. Harold took the key from his neck and opened the side door to his house, and invited Andrea inside. 

The side door entrance opened into the kitchen, where Harold threw down his book bag onto the kitchen table, Andrea did the same following suit. Harold had never been alone with a girl in his home and had no idea how to entertain. Of course, the ideas he did have were welcoming to him as he sized Andrea up in awkward silence. Andrea just looked around and then asked Harold to show her around. Harold led her through the kitchen to the living room and into the hall past the bathroom. Making sure to skip his siblings and parents room. 

Andrea smiled as she entered his room, and that smile leads to a laugh as she saw Harold had a few Gumby posters on his wall. Seeing this, Harold stood staunchly and defended his collection vowing he'd somehow find a way into her bedroom so he could laugh at her bedroom layout. Andrea then, with an adult tone, described her bedroom to which seemed bland and without much originality or items for a girl her age. This was when Harold began to see how Andrea seemed older than the other girls in their grade. 

Harold then sat on his bed as Andrea continued looking around his room and walls taking it all in, finally joining him on his bed. They then talked about classes and what had happened at lunch that day. In a mutual moment, their eyes met over silence, and then they both looked away. Words were not being said, but from their body language, things were being expressed. Andrea closed her eyes and leaned in for a kiss as Harold read this as an opportunity he reached for Andrea's adolescent breast and gave it a squeeze. 

The two of them froze in place, realizing their signals had been misinterpreted. Yet, Andrea recoiled as Harold continued to hold on and squeeze. Andrea then brushed Harold's hand from her chest as in their own way, they were embarrassed. Andrea was the first to speak, "You like that, huh? to which Harold replied, "Yeah, nice and soft." "Do you want to see them?" Andrea questioned. Harold's eyes widened like saucers as he hopped up on the bed, nodding emphatically. 

At that, Andrea smiled with a sense of accomplishment and desire and began to remove her shirt. Harold's eyes now looked like full moons getting to see more of Andrea than he had ever. Her bosoms pouring out of her teen sized bra became his focus when down the hall, the sound of the door being unlocked and opened, and someone walking in could be heard.

Vlog #46 OPPORTUNITY STRIKES

MY NETFLIX MOVIE REVIEWS #193

This movie follows a teenager named Stevie growing up in Los Angeles. He's struggling with his family, including his co-dependent single mom and his abusive older brother, and at school, where his richer friends seem to overlook him. When Stevie befriends a crew of skateboarders, he learns some tough lessons about class, race, and privilege. Written by Polly_Kat (Courtesy of Internet Movie Database)

The 90’s for me were a time I was coming of age and learning the joys and hard knocks of life has been something that has stuck with me.  So it makes sense that this nostalgic feeling has drawn me to this film the MID 90’S. Upon watching the dynamic of the main character home made me think of my relationship with my brothers and neighborhood friends. As the story developed I found myself enthralled with what played out on screen. At a certain point it even made me reflect on childhood friends and what they maybe doing today. Ultimately the resolution of the film left me wanting something more yet the actors portrayals all seemed genuine and mad the film a delight. So for MID 90’S I give it a solid 3.5 of 5 stars

FAITH OF A MUSTARD SEED

It wasn't the first time he was told his faith would heal him. It was like deja vu when he began to hear the grandiose thoughts and speech from her. There was the subtlest of warnings as he listened to the words, "She's like Angie." A simple idea, but one that left up to translation or even explanation, led his mind all over the place, trying to make sense. 

When she wasn't around, his mind functioned as it always had in the process of rebuilding his life, staying focused, and reaching goals he had set for himself now. He rallied his brain how he ends up, here again, facing what clearly looked and sounded like a crazy person. Now searching to find the way out of difficult situations and questions that directed him to whether he believed. 

In the previous episode, the woman started as a love interest. It was easy to follow her up to a point. When she was seeing the spirit and remarking how demons were searching for her, it was easy for him to tune out, yet harder for him to continue to have faith. 

He had grown up in the church and had some faint spiritual experiences in his life enough to believe it could be real. Never seeing anything himself and having that right to life experience, he became doubtful and ultimately frustrated that nothing was becoming of this as her rants became ever increasingly incoherent. 

The same thing was happening now years after the first experience, yet this woman was not a love interest. She was a woman who had replied to his ad for a care provider believing even then that she was lead to the job posting. He felt honored that she could say that a little hesitant to fully engage with her, but over time and with time to talk and share his life story, it all slowly changed. 

The similarities were striking and lead to the same ultimate goal of healing his body. He wondered if there was a sign that he was draped in that these people could see that he couldn't. He did; it was his wheelchair. Slowly, but inevitably the attention became on healing him. Again he felt honored someone, anyone would want to heal him, but when attempts were made and dates set and then nothing. It tested not only his faith he had that life could allow him a second chance living an able-bodied, but it also tested his tolerance with what others would call a delusional person. A crazy fuckin idiot if he was to be crass and not really care if he offended them or he offended God. 

Pained by being put in this situation again, he held out for belief, but when time after time, he was blamed for not fully believing and having faith because he wasn't walking; he became cold to the idea altogether. He just didn't know what he was doing wrong; if anything causes, he wasn't getting up out of his chair. 

It was true he wanted that more than most anything, yet it just wouldn't click. He'd hit a point where believing seemed to be something he could 'not fully achieve, and everyone was telling him he could he just wanted to be out and away from the thoughts and the blame if it was to happen why couldn't it just happen? He had faith once. Even now, with all the doubt, his faith was at least the size of a mustard seed. 

Vlog #45 A POP UP STORE KIND OF WEEKEND

MY NETFLIX MOVIE REVIEWS #192

Courtesy of Impwards.com

Collin (Daveed Diggs) must make it through his final three days of probation for a chance at a new beginning. He and his troublemaking childhood best friend, Miles (Rafael Casal), work as movers and are forced to watch their old neighborhood become a trendy spot in the rapidly gentrifying Bay Area. When a life-altering event causes Collin to miss his mandatory curfew, the two men struggle to maintain their friendship as the changing social landscape exposes their differences. Explores the intersection of race and class set against the backdrop of Oakland. (Courtesy of Internet Movie Database)

Having heard of this film through a friend, who highly recommended it, as he is another film reviewer I felt this film needed to be seen. The film I am talking about is BLINDSPOTTING. Looking at just the trailer the film looked like it may be a musical and I quite possibly may not have been down for that. Yet upon watching it I found a film that was not only entertaining it spoke on some issues of our time from a perspective that didn’t come off as propaganda. I also felt the collection of characters made for an interesting take that showed how life can put us in situations that tests us. So for BLINDSPOTTING I give it 4.5 stars of 5.

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BAD DRIVER

You would have to be Braxton to understand how important this day was to him. He had just finally felt like he had arrived as it pertains to being someone on the campus of his Del Norte High School. He was now a junior, but more interestingly, he was high school famous after having one if not the best game of his life the Friday night of homecoming week, which on a varsity football team full of seniors he had made his mark. People were reciting his name as he would walk by, girls would smile and wave, which ultimately lead him to be invited to a party at Brooke Miller's. 

Now Brooke Miller was like the campus socialite; all the girls looked to her for personal advice and fashion sense. Her mother Pearl was a huge booster club member planning events all year round to keep the athletics well feed and her schedule full. So to be personally invited to one of these events was a big deal. Not that being on the varsity team wasn't enough; it sure helped that had played well helping the team to win a game. The underlying theme was always winning. 

Braxton's problem was he didn't drive; he didn't even have a car. His parents were putting that money to his college fund; he'd have to work if he wanted a car, so he just never applied to get his license or bother studying up. To that end, he had always relied on someone to give him a ride. The night of the party, his parents would be out for their weekly date night, which usually meant dinner and bingo at the YMCA, so that option was out. As for the rest of his teammates, he tried asking, and everyone agreed, but when it came down to it, they rather not, or they had other ideas of how they wanted to spend theIr night and not become a chauffeur. 

Braxton was a little hurt by that till one of his mates saw how down he got when everyone began to turn him down. Neville was a teammate who rarely played, but was close with Pearl and Brooke, and got the invite due to his charm and know-how to be gracious. Neville agreed to pick up Braxton so relieved that he nearly gave Neville a hug in the locker room where the male to male contact like that was frowned upon. 

So the night of the party, Braxton was looking tiptop. His Dad had tied his tie and left it knotted and then left Braxton to wait for his ride. Upon Neville showing up, he was in a shadow grey minivan, which jerked to a stop out in front of Braxton's house. The driver side window rolled down and then came the honk, as Neville shouted out from the van, "Let's go, man! Braxton rushed out from his house and moved to the still running minivan with no idea what would follow. 

He got in the van buckled his seat belt over his sport coat and striking red tie. He looked incredible, while Neville was in a pair of shorts and a pale blue oxford shirt. Braxton now strapped in turned to Neville, who set the car in drive, and the vehicle sped off, sending Braxton back into his seat like he was fighting against g forces in a Mig 1 fighter jet. This was only the beginning as Neville began to show why not many people wanted to ride with him, he was one of those crazy drivers weaving in and out of traffic, gunning the van at a green and slamming on the brakes at a red light. The smile Braxton once had for the night had now switched to a look of terror gripping the door panel handle for dear life as Neville whipped the van around a corner, nearly hitting a traffic sign. 

Braxton looked over at Neville as if to say something, but only looked at him in hopes he'd see the immense fear he was filled with and he'd slow down or at least drive less like a crazed maniac. From up ahead, Braxton could see a pile of cars quickly come up. Beginning to feel nauseous, Braxton looked to Neville, who zoomed through the pile-up and on down the road. He then made a quick u-turn and jerked it into park as they had arrived at their destination. 

Braxton went for the door, forgetting to unbuckle his belt; he just wanted out to which Neville exclaimed, "Made it!" in a playful tone in his voice as if he had broken a new record.  Braxton finally exited the van feeling shaky in his legs, adrenaline coursing through his veins as Pearl and Brooke Miller out in front of their home was greeting other guests. As Braxton gathered himself still nauseous, he and Neville walked up to the house. Walking side-by-side, Neville patted Braxton on his back to which Braxton uncontrollably spewed his stomach contents at the feet of the Miller's whose expression was of utter disgust.

Vlog #44 THE COMING NEW YEAR